RDI REIT PLC RDI secures significant leasing transactions

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RDI REIT PLC

29 July 2019

RDI REIT P.L.C.

("RDI" or the "Company")

(Registered number 010534V)

LSE share code: RDI

JSE share code: RPL

ISIN: IM00BH3JLY32

LEI: 2138006NHZUMMRYQ1745

RDI secures significant leasing transactions across 400,000 sqft including new leases, lease renewals and regears

RDI, the income focused UK-REIT, is pleased to announce a number of successful new leasing transactions and lease extensions on GBP3.65m of annualised rental income, reflecting the Company's continued strong operational and asset management performance. This reflects an increase in rental income of GBP0.43m and includes the letting of 13,000 sqft of previously vacant space. Portfolio occupancy, on a like-for-like basis, remains high at 98.0% (28 February 2019: 97.5%).

Canbury Business Park, Kingston

At Canbury Business Park, the existing lease with Sitel over the 37,457 sqft office component, which was due to expire in September 2019, has been surrendered in return for a new five-year lease over 24,000 sqft. The new rent of GBP672,000 p.a. equates to GBP28.00 psf. The remaining space has been let to Interval International on a 10-year term with a five-year break at GBP29.50 psf. The business park which comprises 13 small business and light industrial units together with office space, was acquired in December 2017 at a net initial yield of 5.8%. Since then the office space has been refurbished at a total cost of GBP1.5 million (including tenants' incentives), delivering a marginal yield on total cost of c.6.0%.

The site, which is within a short walking distance of the Kingston upon Thames mainline railway station, provides a number of longer-term residential-led development opportunities. These latest leasing transactions provide secure income for a five-year period while re-development opportunities are reviewed.

Farnborough, Southwood Business Park

Two previously vacant units have been let at between GBP13.50 psf and GBP14.00 psf delivering an annualised rent of GBP175,295. The industrial estate was acquired in September 2019 at a net initial yield of 6.2% including a vacancy of 8.1% and an average passing rent of GBP12.90 psf. The net initial yield will increase to 7.1% following the new lettings, with the asset now fully occupied. In addition, a number of regears and rent reviews on the park have been completed, delivering a rental uplift of GBP300,000, an 18% increase since acquisition.

Waterside, Leeds

A new 10-year lease has completed with the existing sole tenant; the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The rent remains unchanged at GBP398,650 p.a. (GBP11.00 psf) with the equivalent of 26 months' rent free agreed in the form of a stepped rent profile.

Express Park Distribution Centre, Bridgwater

The lease on Unit 3B has been extended by 16 years from May 2020 to May 2036 with a tenant's break option in May 2030. The rent remains unchanged at GBP535,000 p.a. (GBP5.25 psf) with a rent-free period of 13 months.

Break options on Unit 5 in May 2021 and May 2031 have been removed providing a lease until May 2036 and a term certain of over 16 years, in return for a 13 month rent free period.

Following these lease extensions, the overall WAULT for Express Park has increased from 3.2 years to 9.6 years on GBP3 million of rental income.

Adrian Horsburgh, Property Director at RDI, commented:

"These recent lettings provide a snapshot of the successes we are achieving across the different sectors in which we operate, demonstrating our commitment to continuously improve the rental tone and increase our WAULT. Furthermore, occupancy across the portfolio remains high at 98.0%, up from 97.5% in February, supporting our strategic priority of income generation."

For further information:

 
RDI REIT P.L.C. 
Mike Watters, Stephen Oakenfull               Tel: [phone] 
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UK Public Relations Adviser 
Dido Laurimore, Claire Turvey, Ellie Sweeney  Tel: [phone] 
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Note to editors:

About RDI

RDI is an income focused UK-REIT with a diversified portfolio invested principally in the UK. The investment approach is driven by an in depth understanding of occupational demand including the impact of technology, transport and infrastructure investment. The portfolio has been repositioned in recent years to increase its weighting to London and the South East and to provide greater exposure to our leading hotel and serviced office operating platforms.

RDI is committed to delivering attractive income led total returns across the real estate cycle. The current strategic objectives of a lower leverage capital structure and more focused allocation of capital are targeted at delivering an industry leading and sustainable income return.

RDI is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (UK-REIT) and holds a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the JSE. The Company is included within the EPRA, GPR, JSE All Property and JSE Tradeable Property indices.

For more information on RDI, please refer to the Company's website www.rdireit.com

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July 29, 2019 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)